Written Answers Nos. 171-182
171. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Taoiseach the number of the seven external experts appointed or to be appointed to the new disability unit in his Department that have lived experience of disability in Ireland. [36919/25]
View answerA disability unit is being established in Department of the Taoiseach. The unit is supporting the work of the Cabinet Committee on Disability. It is also supporting the work of the Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality and other Ministers in driving cross-government, inter-agency and inter-disciplinary working and collaboration to improve the lives of people with disabilities and enable them to achieve their potential.
A work programme for the unit is currently being finalised which will inform the overall resources and staffing required for the unit. This will be published shortly.
The Unit will engage with stakeholders through Departmental and Agency-led sectoral stakeholder groups, maintaining a clear and consistent connection to the realities faced by disabled people. The forthcoming National Disability Strategy will also embed a robust framework for supporting stakeholder engagement across Government. Utilising this and other existing structures, it is intended that there will be significant opportunities to continue to hear from, and engage with, experts and stakeholders on disability matters.
172. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach the total value of trade in goods and services between Ireland and Russia in each of the years 2020 to 2024, inclusive; the major sectors for that trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36982/25]
View answerThe total value (Euro Thousand) in trade in goods (exports; imports) between Ireland and Russia for period 2020-2024 (2024 figures are provisional), and the major sectors for that trade, can be seen in tables below.
Table 1: Exports in goods to Russia
|
Exports in Goods |
Jan-Dec 2020 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
Jan-Dec 2024 |
|
Product Group |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Food and live animals |
31,096 |
47,795 |
13,418 |
24,500 |
25,372 |
|
Beverages and tobacco |
6,839 |
8,031 |
1,116 |
||
|
Crude materials, inedible, except fuels |
90,826 |
157,789 |
231,748 |
194,238 |
347,823 |
|
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related products |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chemicals and related products |
176,005 |
243,472 |
214,289 |
197,713 |
281,524 |
|
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
4,744 |
6,069 |
814 |
79 |
172 |
|
Machinery & transport equipment |
34,787 |
57,415 |
16,568 |
2,502 |
3,792 |
|
Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
101,006 |
106,406 |
71,242 |
49,151 |
61,241 |
|
Commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere |
10 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Grand Total |
445,315 |
626,980 |
549,195 |
468,183 |
719,925 |
Table 2: Imports in goods from Russia
|
Imports in Goods |
Jan-Dec 2020 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
Jan-Dec 2024 |
|
Product Group |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Food and live animals |
34,862 |
44,199 |
55,537 |
39,013 |
24,322 |
|
Beverages and tobacco |
316 |
321 |
82 |
6 |
8 |
|
|
|||||
|
Crude materials, inedible, except fuels |
10,603 |
13,883 |
10,808 |
439 |
403 |
|
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related products |
145,700 |
372,401 |
135,438 |
22,314 |
0 |
|
Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Chemicals and related products nes |
88,302 |
136,579 |
150,468 |
10,104 |
12,514 |
|
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
6,429 |
25,149 |
18,816 |
148 |
1,036 |
|
Machinery & transport equipment |
3,286 |
6,191 |
5,901 |
809 |
303 |
|
Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
2,734 |
1,446 |
1,792 |
421 |
141 |
|
Commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere |
2 |
16 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
292,234 |
600,185 |
378,845 |
73,257 |
38,729 |
|
- |
Jan-Dec 2020 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
Jan-Dec 2024 |
|
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Trade in goods Surplus (exports – imports) |
153,081 |
26,795 |
170,350 |
394,926 |
681,196 |
Services trade with Russia for 2020 to 2024 in Euro Millions. Some of the 2023 figures are suppressed for confidentiality (C) reasons and the 2024 figures are provisional (P).
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
|
Exports |
3,185 |
3,463 |
2,254 |
: |
C |
97 |
p |
|
Imports |
250 |
290 |
435 |
117 |
101 |
p |
|
|
Balance |
2,936 |
3,173 |
1,819 |
: |
C |
-4 |
p |
173. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Taoiseach his Department’s expenditure on hairstyling, make-up, personal grooming and general cosmetic expenses, in each of the years 2015 to 2025, in tabular form. [37003/25]
View answer174. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Taoiseach his Department’s expenditure on beauticians, make-up artists or hairdressing professionals, stylists or personal shoppers, specifying if such expenditure was on a contract or retainer fee basis, in each of the years 2015 to 2025, in tabular form. [37022/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.
The Department of the Taoiseach has incurred no expenditure between 2015 and 2025 on hairstyling, make-up, personal grooming, general cosmetic expenses or beauticians, make-up artists, hairdressing professionals, stylists or personal shopper.
175. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Taoiseach his expenditure on advertising, detailing the objective, duration, media platforms, advertising agency or agencies, and cost of each advertising campaign, in each of the years 2015 to 2025. [37040/25]
View answerThe table below details expenditure by the Department of the Taoiseach on advertising from 2015 to end June 2025.
Under an Office of Government Procurement (OGP) framework, the Department of the Taoiseach procures Media Strategy, Planning and Buying services as appropriate.
Standard annual expenditure on advertising by the Department covers advertisements placed in national print publications relating to judicial appointments and Commemoration Events.
Most advertising expenditure in the period 2020 - 2022 related to public information campaigns during COVID-19. These campaigns played a vital role in communicating the various strands of the pandemic, including the supports made available by Government.
|
Expenditure by Department of the Taoiseach on advertising from 2015 to end June 2025 |
|
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2015 |
€53,666 |
|
2016 |
€21,815 |
|
2017 |
€40,616 |
|
2018 |
€1,895,673 |
|
2019 |
€33,659 |
|
2020 |
€17,045,754 |
|
2021 |
€11,601,472 |
|
2022 |
€1,798,829 |
|
2023 |
€4,808 |
|
2024 |
€14,138 |
|
2025 (to end June) |
€9,482 |
176. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Taoiseach his Department's expenditure on media training in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the firms contracted to provide training; and the position or grade of those availing of training, for example, Minister, Secretary General, principal officer and so on. [37057/25]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach did not incur any expenditure on media training for office holders in the years 2015 to 2025.
The learning and development programme implemented by the Department of the Taoiseach includes training courses provided by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) which is responsible for OneLearning - the learning and development system which provides training on the core skills and capabilities for the civil service.
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of expenditure on media training for employees of the Department of the Taoiseach is provided in the table below.
|
Year: |
Supplier: |
Grade: |
Expenditure: |
|
2018 |
OneLearning / The Irish Times |
Assistant Principal Officer Higher Executive Officer |
€498.50 |
|
2019 |
OneLearning / The Irish Times |
Executive Officer Administrative Officer |
€196 |
|
2020 |
OneLearning / The Irish Times |
Executive Officer |
€98 |
177. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Taoiseach his Department's expenditure on media consultancy in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the consultancy firms involved; and the nature of each contract, in tabular form. [37075/25]
View answerExpenditure by the Department of the Taoiseach on advice and support on media engagement during the period in question is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Work undertaken |
Company name |
Expenditure |
|
2017 |
Public relations and communications services to the Data Summit |
Q4 Public Relations |
€30,750 |
Citizens’ Assemblies and the COVID-19 Evaluation operate independently of the Department of the Taoiseach but are funded from the Department’s Vote.
The Citizens’ Assemblies engaged Q4 Public Relations from 2017 to provide media liaison and communication services. This work included raising public awareness of the Assemblies' work; supporting communication and media outreach; and providing a press office service to engage with the media to respond to queries on the work of the Assemblies.
Expenditure by the Citizens' Assemblies on advice and support on media engagement provided by Q4 Public Relations during the period in question is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2017 |
€115,882 |
|
2018 |
€29,561 |
|
2019 |
Nil |
|
2020 |
€18,465 |
|
2021 |
€15,059 |
|
2022 |
€43,753 |
|
2023 |
€95,765 |
|
2024 |
€8,971 |
|
2025 |
Nil |
In 2025, the COVID-19 Evaluation engaged Springboard Communications to provide media liaison and communications support services.
Expenditure to date by the COVID-19 Evaluation on advice and support on media engagement provided by Springboard Communications is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2025 |
€26,674 |
178. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Taoiseach the number of purchase orders processed by his Department in 2023 that were not included in the published reports of purchase orders over €20,000; the number of purchase orders excluded due to their value falling below the €20,000 threshold, and the total combined value of those purchase orders; and the number of purchase orders excluded because they related to transactions other than for goods or services, for example, grants-in-aid or reimbursements, in line with reporting conventions. [37240/25]
View answerAll procurement within the Department of the Taoiseach and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) - the only body under the aegis of the Department - is conducted in accordance with applicable EU and national regulations and Office of Government Procurement (OGP) guidance.
In compliance with Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation requirements, relevant purchase orders processed by the Department with a value in excess of €20,000 are published by the Department on a quarterly basis.
In 2023, a total of 1,822 purchase orders that were below the €20,000 threshold were processed by the Department. In addition, there were 12 purchase orders that met or exceeded the €20,000 threshold and were excluded as they related to transactions such as grant payments, salary recoupments, etc.
The total expenditure by the Department on goods and services in 2023, as published in the Department’s 2023 Appropriation Account, amounted to €13.325 million. Of this, €8.774 million was included in the published reports of purchase orders with a value in excess of €20,000. The remaining balance of €4.551 million related to expenditure that either did not meet the value threshold for publication or related to excluded transactions.
179. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach to outline his engagements during the UN Ocean Climate Summit in Nice. [37356/25]
View answerOn 8 and 9 June I attended the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice which was co-chaired by France and Costa Rica. Its mission was to accelerate action on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
As an island nation, Ireland is keenly aware of the importance of the marine environment and the other roles our waters play, including as a vital trade route. The UN Ocean Conference was an opportunity to discuss and collaborate on ways to secure the future of our oceans and seas.
On 8 June, I attended the inauguration of the Ocean Conference ‘Green Zone’, hosted by President Macron. Here I had the opportunity to meet with many of my counterparts attending the event.
On 9 June, I took part in an event to launch the EU Ocean pact, hosted by Ursula von der Leyen and Preside Macron. I also delivered the National Statement on behalf of Ireland at the main plenary session of the UN Ocean Conference.
180. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach when the climate action plan progress reports for the remainder of 2024 will be published. [37358/25]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach tracks the delivery of actions committed to in the Climate Action Plan and publishes quarterly progress reports. Following approval by Government, progress reports and detailed tables of actions completed and delayed are published online and can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/55fde-climate-action-important-publications/
The progress report for Quarters 3 and 4 of the Climate Action Plan 2024 was published in April and shows an overall implementation rate for the year of 64%, with 80 of 125 actions completed in 2024.
Actions that were not completed during 2024 have been carried forward to be reported upon together with the new actions agreed as part of Action Plan 2025.
181. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach the value of both imports and exports of trade in both goods and services between Ireland and the occupied Palestinian territories in each of the years 2021 to 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37493/25]
View answerThe data requested by the Deputy is contained in the tables below. It should be noted that for 2025 there are no exports to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Table A : Goods Exports to the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2021 - 2024
|
Exports |
Jan - Dec 2021 |
Jan - Dec 2022 |
Jan - Dec 2023 |
Jan - Dec 2024 |
|
Product Group |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Food and live animals |
144 |
206 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chemicals and related products n.e.s. |
1,338 |
2,198 |
2,114 |
260 |
|
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
12 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Machinery & transport equipment |
0 |
0 |
16 |
10 |
|
Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
37 |
8 |
40 |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
1,531 |
2,412 |
2,169 |
272 |
Table B : Goods Imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2021 - April 2025
|
Imports |
Jan - Dec 2021 |
Jan - Dec 2022 |
Jan - Dec 2023 |
Jan - Dec 2024 |
Jan - Apr 2025 |
|
Product Group |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Food and live animals |
83 |
190 |
79 |
189 |
289 |
|
Beverages and tobacco |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Crude materials, inedible, except fuels |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related products |
11 |
5 |
9 |
14 |
7 |
|
Chemicals and related products nes |
1 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
|
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
Machinery & transport equipment |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
17 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
|
Commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Grand Total |
117 |
199 |
90 |
214 |
300 |
Table C : Trade in Services with the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2021 - 2023
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Services |
€millions |
€millions |
€millions |
|
Exports |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Imports |
0 |
0 |
0 |
182. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Taoiseach the amount of the €550 million allocated from the shared island fund drawn down to date; and the means by which his Department manages and tracks this. [37784/25]
View answerTo date, over €550m has been allocated by Government from the Shared Island Fund to take forward multi-annual projects and programmes across a range of sectors with over €100m in expenditure by the end of 2024 across all allocations. Allocations are made to deliver on our Shared Island investment commitments and objectives under the Programme for Government and National Development Plan.
Shared Island Fund allocations are made by Government Decision and taken forward by the relevant Government Minister and their Department, working with Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government counterparts, and with local authority, education and civil society partners across the island.
Shared Island Fund allocations are typically made to projects and programmes on a co-funding basis, alongside funding from other public sources and on a collaborative cross-border basis working with the Executive and / or UK Government.
Shared Island Fund allocations are managed by the relevant line Department through their Vote in the normal course, including on annual draw down and expected draw down, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Departments manage and track their Shared Island spending in the same manner as all other Voted expenditure, and in accordance with the requirements of Public Financial Procedures and Infrastructure Guidelines.
My Department’s Shared Island Unit monitors the progress of all projects that have secured Shared Island Fund allocations. Line Departments are responsible for the management of and reporting of funds within their Votes, from the Shared Island Fund and otherwise. A full list of Shared Island Fund allocations to date is provided in tabular form. The table below also provides a snapshot of expenditure at end 2024. Shared Island allocations are made as total allocations in principle at the start of a project. The projects themselves are multi-year and each year a proportion of the overall allocation is drawn down for in-year spending. It is fully expected that allocations will be spent in full by the end of each project period.
Tabular information
|
Shared Island Fund allocations |
|
|
|
Project |
Total multi-annual allocation (€m) |
Voted provision to end-2024* (€m) |
|
Development of two new all-island bioeconomy demonstrator facilities. Taken forward by the Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
7 |
3 |
|
All-Island arts capital investment projects. Taken forward by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
7.4 |
0.75 |
|
Shared Island dimension to Creative Ireland and Cultural Heritage projects. Taken forward by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and other relevant Ministers. |
8 |
3.074 |
|
Pilot cooperation programme on educational attainment (2024-). Taken forward by the Minister for Education and Youth in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
24 |
1.8 |
|
Shared Island Enterprise scheme (2024-). Taken forward by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
30 |
0.74 |
|
Tourism brand collaboration project. Taken forward by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
7.6 |
0.384 |
|
Shared Island dimension to Community Climate Action Programme. Taken forward by the Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy. |
3 |
0.72 |
|
Shared Island Civic Society Fund - total €9m fund including D/FAT contribution (2023-2027). Taken forward by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. |
6 |
2 |
|
North South Research Programme contribution (2022-2027). Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. |
50 |
32.9 |
|
All-Island Co-Centres for Research and Innovation contribution (2024-2030). Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in cooperation with Executive and UK Government counterparts. |
20 |
3.147 |
|
Construction of respite and therapeutic centre for children diagnosed with cancer from across the island. Taken forward by the Minister for Health. |
2.5 |
2.5 |
|
Construction of the Narrow Water Bridge. Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
107+VAT |
33 |
|
Phases 2 (Completed 2024) and 3 (2026-) Ulster Canal restoration contribution. Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
47 |
9 |
|
Cross-border innovation hub. Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Local Authority partners. |
12 |
1.35 |
|
All-island peatlands and biosecurity projects. Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Executive and Scottish Government counterparts. |
11 |
6.5 |
|
Shared Island Local Authority development funding scheme. Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. |
5 |
5 |
|
Electric Vehicle charging point scheme for Sports Clubs across the island. Taken forward by the Minister for Transport. |
15 |
7.15 |
|
Introduction of an hourly rail service between Dublin and Belfast with effect from October 2024. Taken forward by the Minister for Transport. |
12.5 |
0.9 |
|
Completion of the cross-border Carlingford Lough Greenway. Taken forward by the Minister for Transport in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
1.5 |
0.2 |
|
Casement Park redevelopment contribution. To be taken forward by the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport, in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
50 |
Subject to project approval by NI Executive |
|
Ulster University - new teaching and student services building in Derry. Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in cooperation with Executive counterpart and Ulster University. |
44.5 |
Subject to planning |
|
Renewed visitor experience at the Battle of the Boyne site (2024-2028). Taken forward by the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. |
10 |
Subject to planning |
|
Shared Island nature restoration programme (2025-2030). Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
10 |
New Project 2025 |
|
Tourism Shared Destinations projects to develop three sustainable tourism amenities (2025-2030). Taken forward by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in cooperation with Executive counterpart. |
23 |
New Project 2025 |
|
Arts and Cultural Heritage (2025-2030). Taken forward by the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport and other relevant Ministers in cooperation with Executive and UK counterparts. |
20 |
New Project 2025 |
|
Total |
567.4 |
114.1 |
*Subject to confirmation of final spend by the managing line Department.
